We had a wonderful Christmas and I hope you all did too! Lots of special moments with the kids and great family time. We’re thankful for all of it.

Not too much to update you all on. I’m recovering from pneumonia, almost 32 weeks along, and the babies are growing well and making me extremely uncomfortable. My next chemo is this Thursday. It’s getting harder and harder to move around and to sleep. Ideally, I’m holding out to deliver until week 35 or 36, but I don’t think my body can handle any longer. We want the girls to be healthy enough to avoid a NICU stay, but being this large and this pregnant is so taxing. I also plan on returning to work January 6 and working until delivery.

Today I met with a radiologist to plan out my radiation. There is a small possibility I might avoid radiation, but it depends on how my surgery goes and what my genetic testing says. It is so hard to make a specific schedule for treatment when it all depends on the babies arrival.

After the babies arrive, I could get a 2-4 week break from chemo, then have 12 more chemo sessions. Then after a month break from chemo, I’ll have surgery. Depending on how surgery goes, then radiation might follow about 1-2 months afterwards, with a need for about 25 sessions. It seems like a never ending process with no finish line. That’s the hardest part to accept emotionally. I’ll still be receiving treatment into July and August of this year, but it depends on so many things. I’m thankful all the doctors are focusing on making sure this cancer never returns, but it means a harsher and longer treatment plan.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year! Please continue to pray for us, specifically Michael, who is being caretaker extraordinaire and taking on everything around the house. Thanks for following along!

I’ve officially made it to 30 weeks pregnant and to our holiday break! Both babies are over 3 pounds, which is great news. My body is beyond tired from carrying these two babes and recovering from last week’s chemo that I can’t wait to put my feet up and spend time with our sweet kiddos these next two weeks.

I’ve been blessed with 2 incredibly well behaved classes at school so I don’t have to over-exert myself at work. The kids are kind and caring and good listeners and I feel so lucky to be their teacher. They also don’t mind that I sit more instead of stand in front of the classroom while I’m teaching. My coworkers have been great too, helping to take my class to the other side of the building so I get less steps in, or taking my recess duty so I don’t have to stand outside for a half an hour. I’m so thankful!

At home, I’d be a complete mess without Michael, my mom, and Heather. They do laundry, dishes, cooking, crafting and playing with the kids, and remind me it’s okay to rest. Words can’t describe what they mean to me.

At times, I sit in the dark thoughts of being useless to my family, but I try to stay strong and remember that this is just a season in life. And it happens to be a season where I am doing 2 extremely hard things. Nonetheless, I need rest, whether I enjoy it or not, especially since moving around is becoming more difficult by the day.

Nothing brings me more joy than Christmas- remembering baby Jesus, hearing my kids sing hymns, seeing the lights twinkle on the tree, eating all the yummy goodies, and spending quality time with loved ones. I hope everyone is able to find their own joy in the season, regardless of hardships. 🎄✨❤️

On Saturday the 7th, my sister Heather, with the help of my mom, my mother in law, and my Aunt Annie, threw me the cutest baby “sprinkle.” When we found out we were having twins, we definitely knew we needed some more baby items!

My sister is so talented when it comes to parties. The decor was adorable, and I loved the pink Christmas theme! I never thought I’d be so lucky to have a Christmas baby shower. My Aunt Annie prepped and made all the food, which included yummy chicken soup and a gorgeous spread of charcuterie.

The best part was being surrounded by family and friends that I know love me and Michael, and will love and help us with the twins when they make their big arrival!

Having cancer and being pregnant with twins has been incredibly overwhelming. Thanks to everyone that helped lighten the mood (and our load!) by purchasing gifts and diapers and celebrating us. We hope everyone comes over and holds babies when they are here!

Thanks for being a part of this journey!

Today I had another baby check up. This was my best one yet! The doctor was so happy with the blood flow to both of their brains and their amniotic fluid levels. They have also gained plenty of weight and they are both about 2 and a half pounds. Today I’m 28 weeks. Each week they stay inside is a blessing.

That is such a huge answer to prayer! Thanks to everyone praying for us. 💕

We are thankful to have spent the last few days eating yummy food with family. It means so much to Michael and I to spend time with those that truly love and invest in our kids. We are so lucky to have so many family members who do that every time we are all together.

I was able to go for an early morning doctor appointment yesterday to check on the blood flow in the twins’ brains. The doctor was happy that the levels were trending back to normal and not getting further apart.

I am currently 27 weeks along and our hope is that we can deliver the babies at 37 weeks and that my water doesn’t break on its own between now and then, but there are still so many unknowns. I also hope to continue to work until the babies come, and I’m hoping that there won’t be any reason to put me on bed rest.

I’m feeling a lot of effects of the chemo this time. Obviously I’m tired, but I’ve experienced more nausea and vomiting than I did with chemo round 1. Here’s hoping it doesn’t keep getting worse with each round. I go back for round 3 on December 12.

I want to say thank you for all the prayers and texts and food we’ve received. It means so much to both of us.

I’m trying to keep the faith and focus on this incredible Christmas season we get to experience and making it magical for our sweet kids. They deserve it. 🩷💙✨

I wanted to write an extra special thank you to the Friends of Berlin Performing Arts (Michael’s school’s performing arts booster program) for feeding our family the week leading up to Under The Lights! They provided a meal Monday- Sunday and Rachel delivered it to our home every night. Our kids loved our dinner drop off!

It was appreciated so much, as I was really feeling the effects of chemo #1. Also, Michael was working late each night so it was so nice that dinner was ready for him at the school and I had the energy to play with the kids and not worry about dinner.

Our community is wrapping us in love and we appreciate so much! 💙🐻🩵

Yesterday was such a busy day. It started with such gorgeous snow falling down as we left home.

We had to be downtown at an OSU medical building at 8am for an abdominal ultrasound to check the functions of my liver, kidneys, pancreas, and gallbladder to ensure everything is working correctly after chemo treatment #1. Constantly being a patient is wearing on me.

Then, we quickly headed over to the Stefanie Speilman facility for chemo #2. Every chemo day is the same routine: I do the routine blood draw, the nurse gets the iv ready, we meet with my doctor to confirm all levels are okay, and then we’re moved into our own private room for the actual chemo infusion part. Yesterday I needed a light and funny movie so I picked 50 First Dates. The actual infusion lasted the entirety of the movie and then we were done. I’m so thankful for everyone’s prayers. There weren’t any complications. Emotionally it’s still hard, and physically it isn’t fun, but I’ve made it through 2 infusions! 💪🏼

Then, we were able to get a quick lunch and head to St. Ann’s maternal fetal medicine clinic for an appointment. These appointments make me so nervous. I try not to wait for bad news, but it always seems like we have a few good, even great, appointments, and then something else comes up. The babies fluid amniotic levels are amazing, measuring about 4.5 cm, and they are both weighing in at 1 1b 13 oz. However, my doctor found something else to be precautious about.

He noticed the blood flow in their brains aren’t equal, similar to what happened to their amniotic fluid levels about a month and a half ago. This can be the start of another syndrome, called TAPS. He wants to see me back in a week to quickly check the blood flow in their brains. It’s always something with these 2 babies! I learned that moms of fraternal twins don’t have to deal with any of these circumstances in the womb, so moms of identical twins are extra tough! These babies are going to need some toughness from me whenever they get here. I’m praying for the physical strength to make it to the end of January, and that the babies would stay put until then to avoid any NICU stays.

Our big kiddos are doing well. It hurts I can’t be more active with them, but they know how much they are loved. We are thankful for both sets of parents and my sister who do so much around the house and still have time to play with the kids. They love it.

We are keeping the faith, even though it’s hard. 💕

I’m going to use this post to discuss Michael’s end of year show, called Under the Lights! Very few people know the labor and preparation it takes to put on this show, especially if you aren’t local. I’m extremely proud, so I want everyone to get a sneak peek of our “November normal” every year.

This show involves the students playing every single song they have played for the season, which is usually around 20 songs. Keep in mind, the students have these completely memorized and somehow remember what they learned starting in July.

Michael has always envisioned this to be more than a typical concert experience. The bright lights, the students’ energy, the moving around aisles and on and off the stage- it all creates an immersive experience. The original idea (even back from his time at Fredericktown) comes back to our experience in the Johnstown band with their annual, “Varsity Show,” but Michael certainly has elevated it after running his own show for 12 seasons.

Most people don’t know, but Michael has turned into a master wood worker and lights extraordinaire. His imagination never ceases to amaze me. So many people can have a vision and dream, but it takes true talent and skill to make it come alive. He works on all the pieces the audience sees, making the lights and effects blend perfectly. It takes him about 2 weeks working late nights (always coming home for dinner to see the kids) to set it all up. Believe it or not, the kids have only 3-4 rehearsals to put it all together. That is impressive!

So many others make this possible, and we are so grateful! The band booster parents who help decorate, sell tickets, and provide food, the students who paint and prep scenery, and his colleagues that collaborate and do all the other behind the scenes things. We are always so thankful for you!

If you attended, you saw the energy and excitement on the students’ faces. I can’t even think back to a time when I had that much energy. I love that they are all having fun, and making life long memories. The care they have for each other is so special, and I know they are building friends to last. I wanted to say a big thank you to all who attended! I hope you saw the energy and hard work and now understand the incredible work it takes from everyone! We hope this tradition lives on, and lasts for years to come!

Check out some pictures from this year, and from past Under the Lights, from 2023-2018. 🎶🐻

Baby update!

Today I went for another scan with my high risk maternal fetal medicine doctor. The babies were moving and kicking like crazy, which is always so comforting to me.

I’m 24 weeks along. Both babies are weighing about 1 lb 5oz each and their fluid levels are looking good! Baby A has 5.5 cm of fluid and Baby B has 4.5. If you’ve read a previous post about the babies, you know that we are watching their fluid levels very carefully to determine that we do not have Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Today’s ultrasounds show that their fluid levels are evening out, and that both babies are healthy. Hallelujah! Thank you to everyone who has been thinking about us and praying, specifically for the safety of the twins.

I am starting to feel some effects of my 1st chemo last week. Mostly fatigue, but also some major heartburn and mouth sores. I’m thankful it’s nothing worse yet. I’m still dreading my hair falling out, but I have it for now. Michael, my mom, and my sister have been taking over almost everything around the house so I can rest, and I’m so thankful. We’ve also received lots of food, which is a lifesaver!

Next week is Olentangy Berlin Band’s big indoor show called “Under the Lights!”. If you are local, we’d love for you to join us! Our kiddos wear ear protection, but they love the lights and the sounds and the fun spectacle. It’s a fun family event!

Thanks to everyone following along! We are so thankful for this community we have lifting us up! 💕

I conquered the first day of chemo! It certainly wasn’t fun but it was fine. Everyone was so kind and I felt so respected and valued with each encounter with every doctor and nurse. Michael made me laugh most of the day. I also got my wig so I’m ready when I need it. I’m tired, and nervous about the days to come, but I’m grateful I can do this even though it hurts.

I made it in time for trick or treating with the kids! It rained the moment we finished, so all in all it was a great night. I’m ending the night by sitting and feeling tons of baby kicks, so I love this sweet little reminder that the babies are okay and God is taking care of them. 💕

Thanks for all your prayers and support!

Happy Halloween! 🎃